On June 18, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology announced the renewal of a cooperation protocol between the Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA) and Arish University. The initiative is designed to provide youth in North Sinai with specialized training programs, enabling them to work as freelancers and secure employment in the ICT sector, both within Egypt and internationally, without the need for relocation.

The agreement was signed by the CEO of ITIDA and the President of Arish University, in the presence of senior officials from both entities. It builds upon a previous cooperation agreement signed in 2022, reinforcing the government’s continued efforts to enhance digital skills and promote inclusive economic growth in underserved regions.

The new three-year agreement aims to train approximately 7,200 individuals, including students from Arish University and youth from across North Sinai. It includes a range of targeted programs designed to develop capabilities aligned with labor market requirements. For university students, the programs encompass summer internships in collaboration with the National Telecommunication Institute (NTI), support for graduation projects, English language training, and freelancing skill development.

For other youth in the governorate, the programs will focus on foundational digital skills, cybersecurity awareness, soft skills enhancement, and entrepreneurship. These efforts are intended to increase employability and enable participants to participate effectively in the digital economy, whether through traditional jobs or freelance opportunities.

The agreement also includes a “train-the-trainer” component, aimed at preparing certified ICT trainers from within the governorate. This initiative is expected to ensure the long-term sustainability of local digital capacity-building efforts, supported by ITIDA and NTI. The Minister of Communications and Information Technology emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to empowering the University to fulfill its developmental role in the region. He also highlighted the broader objective of supporting young people in realizing their entrepreneurial ambitions and establishing ICT startups.

Arish University’s president noted the institution’s strong societal role in youth development and praised the expanded scope of the renewed agreement, which now targets a broader range of beneficiaries and offers a diverse set of training programs tailored to market needs. He also acknowledged the role of the Creativa Innovation Hub, established within the university, in advancing community development.